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I had a great day zeroing at Monson, ME. The day lasted so long. I went to get some groceries. I went by the outfitter too. They fixed my poles for free. I went to the pickin’ porch at the general store to check out some bluegrass then went down to the pub and saw the boys from London. They have made it though the 100 mile. I saw Tony too; he skipped 11 miles to get off the 100 mile. He didn’t treat his water, it caught up with him. I finished the night by talking to Becky. I sat outside relaxing, listening to the Avett Brothers. I couldn’t stop from crying because I am in such a good place in my life, and I’m living in the moment.
Day 11 18.0 miles to Moxie Bald Lean-to
Today I’m hiking for My Grandpa Ross Jackson. I visited him right before I left. It was a very good visit. He could write so many books on what he knows and remembers. So now it’s me and 'Stayin’ hiking together. 'Grizzly' & 'Pipes' went home. We hiked 9 miles by lunch, great pace. We pulled into Moxie Bald lean-to. My legs were tired from the rocks. It was really good to hike with someone at pace. Me and 'Stayin’ are going to share my tent as it is very crowded here with 7 hikers and a camp group of kids. I met a girl from Kingsport, TN named Redo. Her trip was cut short in CT in 2004. She’s finishing it up.
Day 12 13.1 miles Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Today I’m hiking for Jason Peters. He is a good friend who I used to race bicycles with. He would be the only person besides my dad that I would want to go on this trip with. He’s a big banker man now in Chattanooga, TN. It is another good hiking day with 'Stayin.' We went up and over Moxie Bald, then over Pleasant Pond Mtn. Beautiful views from the top, very steep descent. My Achilles tendon in my right ankle is hurting and swollen. I’m leaving it relaxed and took some Ibuprofen for the anti-inflammatory trait. We’re trying to get to Stratton, ME in 2 more days. We’ll cross the Kennebec River tomorrow, trying to go for 20 miles.
Day 13 19.7 miles West Carry Pond
Today I hike for Mike Massey on the longest day I have ever hiked. I figured to pick Mike because we’ve been friends since the 6th grade. He was the Best Man at my wedding. We haven’t talked for a while, but I hope to soon. We went to bed last night at 8:30 and were on the trail by 7 a.m. The weather has been sunny, 45 degrees in the morning, 72 during the day, great hiking weather. We crossed the Kennebec River today. Steve “The Ferryman” canoed us across. My Achilles feels better today, but my left leg is hurting from shin splints. I figured I would get those. Terrain was pretty flat today. We hiked the 20 miles in 9.5 hours. I gave Nick his trail name “Mower." He slept near a road a was awoken by the sound of a lawnmower. He’s been hearing it ever since.
Day 14 17.5 Miles Horn Pond Lean-to
Today I hike for David Norris. He and his dad opened Norris Schwinn Bicycles in 1981. I got my first bike from him in 1988 and my first job in 1994. I got a bike from him instead of a motorcycle, which eventually lead to my bicycle racing career. He has faced many challenges being an independent bicycle dealer. Today I faced a significant challenge. We are to hike 17.5 miles through steep 4,000 ft peaks. I didn’t know if we could do it. We hiked 11 miles then climbed 2,000 ft in 1.9 miles to Bigelow Mtn. and Avery Peak. I found that with this trail, these mountains, there is no compromise and no negotiation. The only way to get where I want to go is to hike straight up to the top. We made it to the top at 4,000 ft to see beautiful views. The descent was just as treacherous. We then climbed up to 4,100 feet, the West peak. I thought the trail would take us down to the shelter, but the trail was not done with us yet. Back up to 3,800 feet. Then finally down to the shelter. This is nothing like hiking in Tennessee. 17.5 miles on a climbing day like today was a challenge. I know the trail holds hundreds of more challenges for me, but for today I am happy to have completed this one. This time 2 weeks ago we were at the summit of Katahdin. I can’t believe it’s only been 2 weeks.
Day 15 5.3 miles Stratton Motel.
I slept with my bug net on. We hiked out to Highway 27 today and hitched a ride to the Stratton Motel. I drank a quart of chocolate milk, took a shower, and ate pizza. The scales say I have lost 10 pounds. Oh yeah, the Rocky marathon is on. Just relaxing for the rest of the day before the next push into Andover, ME. Everything is amazing, Happy 4th.
